Mayo authors among literary greats in Irish Book Awards 20-year celebration

Two of Mayo’s most celebrated writers have been recognised as part of a major national literary milestone, with Sally Rooney and Mike McCormack included in a special anniversary list released by the An Post Irish Book Awards.

The awards are marking their 20th anniversary by unveiling a curated list of 60 of the best Irish books from the past two decades, spanning fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature.

The list, compiled with input from booksellers across the country, highlights some of the most influential and widely read Irish works since the awards began in 2006. It features a broad range of acclaimed authors, including Roddy Doyle, Claire Keegan and Liz Nugent, alongside the Mayo writers.

The inclusion of Rooney and McCormack underlines Mayo’s strong contribution to contemporary Irish literature, with both authors earning widespread recognition for their distinctive voices and storytelling.

As part of the celebrations, the public is now being invited to vote for their favourite titles from the Top 60 list. 

Voting opens on March 23 and will close on April 13, with the final Top 20 Favourite Irish Books set to be revealed on April 19.

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Organisers say the initiative offers readers a chance to revisit some of the most impactful Irish books of recent decades while celebrating the depth and diversity of Irish writing.

CEO of the awards, Alastair Giles, said the list represents “a snapshot of some of the most memorable and influential titles” recognised since 2006.

Meanwhile, David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, said the anniversary was an opportunity to showcase the “extraordinary breadth of talent in Irish writing”.

Since its launch, the An Post Irish Book Awards has played a key role in promoting Irish authors at home and abroad, bringing together readers, writers and publishers each year to celebrate literary achievement.

Bookshops nationwide are also supporting the campaign with in-store displays of the shortlisted titles, as anticipation builds for the final announcement next month.

For Mayo readers, the presence of two local literary figures on the prestigious list adds an extra incentive to take part in the public vote before April 13.

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